Can Type II Diabetes be Cured?

I sometimes take heat from people when I say diabetes can be reversed and cured. For example, someone once left a comment on on my post “Is There a Nature Cure for Diabetes.” He brought up a good point about the genetics of type II diabetes. He is right. There is a genetic link. So if your parents had type II diabetes, you have an increased risk of getting it also. But that doesn't mean you will get it. I wanted to take this opportunity to expand on why I often say type II diabetes can be cured because this seems to get the most attention about that particular post. I want to speak directly to those with type II who are reading this.

Other Diabetes Reviews

Can Type II Diabetes Be Cured?

Genetics aside, it's also true that there is an environmental cause to type II diabetes. This is who I was was primarily writing to in my post “Is there a natural cure for diabetes? They represent most cases. Fact: Most people get type II diabetes because they eat too many calories and don't do enough physical activity.

I believe when it comes to type II, most people don't know with proper exercise and weight loss, diabetes often goes into remission. In my book, I call that a “cure” but I am willing to concede the diabetes will return if people go back to their old ways.

I believe most type II diabetics don't take their diabetes seriously. I'm not kidding. I've seen it first hand. I think this is because people keep getting answers to their problems.

Here's why I say this…

What Happens When You Get Type II Diabetes

This is the usual scenario of what happens when you start to show symptoms of type II or metabolic syndrome:

1. First you are given a pill (metformin) because your blood sugar is getting high. Then, when that stops working, you are told to take 2 pills. Then 3 pills. Eventually the pills are not enough…

2. As your diabetes gets worse, you are the told to take a shot of insulin. Then it becomes 2 shots. Then it becomes 3 shots.

3. Then, as you gain weight and it hurts to walk, there is a motorized chair to you them get around – and many people get that for free! Insurance may even pay for it! Can't walk up your stairs anymore? No problem. There is a stair lift to help you.

It's this gradual and almost painless progression and desensitization of symptoms of the disease that dulls you into thinking “diabetes isn't so bad.” You keep getting solutions to your problems.

Because of insurance and medicare, you can get a lot diabetes supplies for free too. The TV commercials for this are all over daytime TV -and the channels MeTV and Antenna TV (they know their audience!). Getting diabetes supplies for free you in the “diabetes loop.” For more about this, read how it pays to be a diabetic.

By the time diabetes really starts getting bad, it's often too too late (in some cases). If left unchecked, type II diabetes can lead to disastrous and terrifying outcomes including but not limited to:

Often the side effects of type II diabetes take decades before they manifest themselves. Often you dont feel any immediate changes of how your disease is getting worse. The progression is so slow, it's almost painless!

Type I vs. Type II

What about Type I diabetes? Unlike type II, those with Type I are are immediately told how serious their condition is. They have to inject themselves every day with insulin. People take injections much more serious than simply taking a diabetes pill. Those with type I also know immediately what happens if they miss an insulin injection.

I think this immediate shock to the system (and immediately seeing what happens if they dont take insulin) is the reason type I diabetics tend to be very smart. They are often as OCD as a bodybuilder, knowing about exercise, carbs, calories, etc. Those with type II often dont know anything about nutrition. They often eat what they want thinking “I'll just take my pill and it will be ok.”

The Sad Truth Is…

With most of the type II diabetics I see, nobody ever told them their condition can be kept in check, slowed down – and even cured (go into remission) if they took better care of themselves. To see proof, read this interview I did with a woman who cured her type II diabetes. Read what her doctor said to her when she said she wanted to quit taking insulin.

I've been very critical of the Biggest Looser TV show in the past, but one thing no one can deny is by the end of the Biggest Looser, the contestants are usually off all their medications – including diabetes medications!

How? Exercise makes the body's insulin receptors more active – so they work better. Exercise also helps lower blood sugar because it activates other pathways to reduce blood sugar that have nothing to do with insulin. Weight does the this too.

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The War On Diabetes…?

I'm sure most of us have seen TV commercials for medications and diabetes supplies – blood sugar testers, syringes, needles and things like that. Why haven't any of us EVER seen TV commercial or a public service announcement about how exercise and losing weight can help – and yes CURE – type II diabetes?

Where are the billboards?

Where are the radio commercials?

Where are the TV commercials?

Why doesn't the American Diabetes Association do any of this stuff? I dont even think the word cure or reverse appears on their website!

FACT. More people die EACH YEAR from the complications of type II diabetes than died on 9/11 and in the in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Where is the war on type II diabetes? Where is the front of that war occurring?

Nobody wants to talk about this? Why? Could it be the diabetes industrialize complex, that system of companies and bureaucracies who make money on the medications supplies they sell?

Hollywood And Diabetes

Why doesn't Hollywood take a stand on diabetes? Why aren't ANY actors doing public service announcements about exercise and diabetes? Actors with type II include

Tom Hanks

Hallie Berry

Paul Sorvino

Drew Carry

Jerry Mathers

I've never seen any famous people do a public service announcement to help educate people on this disorder. Its just sad.

And if you laughed when I mentioned there was a diabetes industrial complex, consider the cause of Paula Dean, infamous TV chef. When Paula Dean was diagnosed with type II diabetes in 2012, she kept her mouth shut about it – until she could team up with diabetes drug maker Novo Nordisk. She used her disease to make money.

The only ray of light in this conspiracy of ignorance has been former first lady Michelle Obama who made it her mission to address the hallmarks of diabetes – poor eating and lack of physical activity.

How Can Diabetes Be Cured?

I make the bold statement that type II diabetes can be CURED because I care and I desperately want you to know the facts few appear to have ever been told.

I want you to know:

1. Type II diabetes will go away -and stay away – in most people who take care of their health.

2. Most people don't have to get type II diabetes. Most cases are environmental -eating too much and exercising too little.

3. Losing a little weight and getting some exercise every day – even 20 minutes a day – can make profound changes not only on type II , but how long you live.

I have personally witnessed diabetes be cured. In fact one of the people who cured himself is a quadriplegic. He reversed his diabetes from his wheelchair! How did it do it? He changed his eating, lost 50 pounds and exercised. No more metformin!

Why Don't Diabetics Know These Facts?

If you are a type II diabetic, talk to our doctor. Most would love to speak to you about this. Ask your doctor if losing weight would help reverse your diabetes and if the answer is yes, engage your doctor in a dialog to create a weight loss program that's right for you to help you achieve a real and lasting change that goes beyond just taking a pill.

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Comments

Do you know of any cases of type I diabetes being reversed? To my understanding, when those beta cells die off (be it auto-immune, genetic, or environmental) they can’t come back.

This hits close to home for me as my wife has been type 1 diabetic for 31 years since age 9. She is vigilant with her bliss sugar control (uses an insulin pump) and is not overweight.

She’s also had cancer twice in her 40 years – and a lot of what I’ve read about the etiology of cancer (outside the cancer-industrial-complex) is that cancer is a metabolic phenomenon due to lack of pancreatic function. The work of Dr. William Donald Kelley in the 60’s-90’s and later the work of Drs. Nicolas Gonzales and Linda Isaacs manage this metabolic deficiency with detox, diet (specific to ones metabolic type) and pancreatic enzymes to normalize the body.

Thank you in advance for your time to share your thoughts on this and if this is not the appropriate forum, please email me personally – and I will be happy to work with you and compensate you for your time Sir!

BTW: I came across this article whilst reading your x3 review. Good stuff Joe, I appreciate the way you share your knowledge and opinions. Your style appears to be authentic and real.

I too am a small business person and direct marketer, and your books remind me of one of my major mentors, Dan Kennedy. You are doing a fine job with your message and I plan on following you moving forward. All the best- Darin

Hi Darin, thank you for your nice words. I have never heard or met any one who reversed type I diabetes. But I do think one day this will happen. Several years ago listed to an interesting podcast on Reach MD which told how Beta cells of mice grew back and worked again when the immune system attack of them was halted. Here is a link to the Reach MD website https://reachmd.com/search/?q=reverse+type+I+diabetes Im not sure where on the site the podcast can be found. You may have to do some digging.

I remember the doctor in this podcast saying how the pharmaceutical industry was not interested in funding human trials of her research (no surprise) but she was working on alternative funding. I have not heard much about this lately but I think you and your wife should take this as hope that one day type I diabetes may be cured.

As for the cancer/pancreas connection, I have not heard that cancer was related to pancreases function. There are many types of cancer. While insulin is a global hormone affecting all cells of the body, I’m not sure I’d call it the common denominator to cancer. This is something I have not heard of before, so don’t take my words as gospel.

I hope some of this helps Darin. Thanks again for you kind words and Im happy to know you found my words helpful. You may be interested in my other site too: SupplementClarity.com

You are correct. Diabetes can be conquered. I did it. It took me 1.5 years to lose the weight and another 1.5 years before my doctor finally gave me permission to get off metformin, but I did it. I worked with a dietitian who helped me find a program I could stick with.

I weigh 45 pounds lighter, exercise 4 days a week for 60 minutes a day and make sure not to eat too many carbs. Do I splurge once in a while – sure. But I dont do it often.

People, This can happen. You can do this. Have patience and find a dietitian to help you.

Hi Jasmin, that is wonderful news! I am so happy to hear you kicked diabetes butt! wow 45 pounds is fantastic! I cant imagine how proud you must be 🙂 I like how you enlisted the help of an RD too. I think that’s very wise.
People can find an RD in their area by going to their website: EatRight.org

Congrats again and do let me know if I can I can be of any further service 🙂

Thank you for this! I was just told I have type2 diabetes. My doctor never mentioned this might be reversible. I was only told I needed to start taking medformin. I do need to lose 40 pounds. I will take this drug for now but will also start trying to eat better.

At my next appointment with my dr. I hope to weight less and then will ask if I sill need to take the medication.

Hi Brenda, Im so glad you found my review of type II diabetes helpful. That sounds like a good idea to try to drop some weight while still taking your metformin. You did not say what your A1C level was but after a few months, weight loss should reduce it. When you have lost some weight and go back to your doctor, dont be discouraged if your doctor still wants to keep you on metformin a little longer (they may reduce the dosage though). Doctors may want to get at least 2-3 visits showing reduced blood sugar and A1C levels before they give you the OK to get off Metformin.

If you are able to, remember exercise like walking will also help you burn calories, build muscle and help keep your blood sugar and A1c under control.

Keep me posted on your progress and do let me know if you have any questions during your journey to beat type II diabetes 🙂

Hey, a great article so many people believe it’s inevitable that they will get Type II Diabetes because of genetics and there’s nothing they can do about it. No one has taken the time to break it down just like you did. I missed this article when you first posted it in 2011. This one should be sent out yearly. Thank you. I will post this on Facebook.

Hi Wilma, thanks so much. Yes I agree. I dont think most people know type II diabetes doesn’t have to occur in the majorly of cases. I have personally seen people get off all medications. weight loss, changing eating habits and exercise can do this.

Thank you for this article, it was one of the most motivating ones that I read when first diagnosed in January 2017. The doctor sent me blood test results and a letter with the words “You are diabetic.”, and my world started caving in around me. My family is full of people with diabetes and my very close brother is in End Stage kidney disease, on dialysis, and has had a foot amputated due to diabetes.

So when I read those words it was devastating. I blame only myself for becoming diabetic, I recklessly became morbidly obese and ate the worst foods for years. Before going to see my doctor to follow up on the test results, I did a lot of internet reading and your article lead me to *believe* I could fix this and it inspired me to keep digging for more information. I went to the doctor appointment full of motivation and information only to be met with total lack of interest in helping me fix it through lifestyle changes and instead recommended medications and given a suggested eating chart full of “healthy carb” loaded meals.

Everything was against what I had read about fixing diabetes through a healthy diet. So I turned down the meal plan and turned away the medications and asked the doctor to have faith in me and let me at least TRY to fix it with diet and exercise. Reluctantly she agreed.

It has been a struggle to change my eating habits and food addictions but I have. And I’m happy to say that in just 10 months I have gone from average blood glucose in the 300’s to under 120. My A1C has gone from 8.6 to 6.0. I hope to have normal A1C within the next 3-6 months.

My doctor is amazed and I am so excited about the possibilities of complete remission. And speaking of remission, I read some other comments where people did not believe it is possible so I wanted to share this link to where the experts have determined criteria for 3 levels of remission. Thank you for your article and making me believe.

Hi Janet, I am so glad you felt empowered to believe that you CAN reverse and cure type II diabetes. You can. I have seen it happen in others. I know someone who is a quadriplegic and was diagnosed with type II diabetes. While he did take the meds his doctor gave him, he also made an effort to lose 50 pounds and change his eating. His A1C levels droped from 8.5 to below 6. They have stayed below 6 for well over a year. He is now OFF ALL MEDS. He continues to monitor his blood sugar, eat healthy and watch calories and exercise.

Here is an interview I did with a woman who had really bad type II diabetes. She no longer has it.

Hey Joe,
Just checking in again and letting you know I am still diabetic free with no medication since the last time I talked with you. I no longer treat it as a concern because I have a healthy lifestyle and that has taken over my life. No medications and no supplements. It can be done just people are doing it the wrong way.

You must be using a bizarre definition of “cure”. Exercise and extreme diet help keep a diabetic from being hyperglycemic, but they are just forms of therapy. They do not cure diabetes in any meaningful sense. A diabetic still can’t eat pizza or apple pie like non-diabetics do. A proper cure means you don’t need therapy anymore.

The problem with most of the drugs given to T2 diabetics is that they push the pancreas to increase insulin production. While this causes a temporary improvement in A1C it also causes the precious few remaining beta cells to die faster from overwork. Long term those drugs make your diabetes worse.

Bob Smith, I work with a man who is a quadriplegic. He’s a high functioning quad so he does have some use of his arms and legs. Last year his A1C increased to about 8%. After 6 months of reducing his calories and carbs a little bit,his weight came down and his A1C is now 5.7%. He did no extreme dieting and his exercise routine did not change.

You can call it what you like but I call this a cure. As long as one does what they have to, people with type II diabetes often get off their medications. This is a message I don’t feel most type II diabetics hear enough of.

I recently met a women who lost her 37 year old daughter from diabetes complications. She was only 37 years old. She was on all sorts of medications but they did not save her.

There’s a not a lot written about Diabetes and shift work. Shift work will damage your sleep patterns and you probably won’t get enough good sleep.

Nobody in my family had diabetes, so I never considered myself at risk. But I guess sensible living made sure that it never manifested in any of my relatives – except my brother and I who are the only ones to have worked shifts for 25 years!

I was rather sedentary both on and off work, but my brother biked to work and did not have a sedentary job, and while none of us can be called skinny, neither are we anywhere near obese – slightly rounded is all.

So I’m convinced it’s the sleep deprivation, and possibly lack of vitamin D that caused us to get diabetes 2. Fortunately I WAS told about exercise, so things are not too bad.

Anne, yes there is some research linking lack of sleep (and vitamin D) to diabetes and there is also a genetic component as well in some people. The important thing is that you know about how important exercise is for managing diabetes and for that, I am happier than you know 🙂

Hi Joe! Knowing that Paula Deen is diabetic 2, I finally went into
Paula Deen Recipe. LOW AND BEHOLD! I chance to see on the side of her recipe (colum) this “CAN TYPE II DIABETES BE CURED” here I am….reading your column but THIS TIME! I didn’t click away! Like Yoly, I was so happy to find you! I was in Denial my having diabetes.

I was on the medications since 1998. Until I was told last year May 2011 I was to stop all diabetic medications and started Insulin! May 2012 makes one (1) I am still into insulin.!

With the pills I was in in the 170’s bracket. With insulin…300 BG in the am! Then one day, I thought there is no “group team” at home.
Granted…the same repetitious saying ‘just do the insulin’ inject!
I decided to take any kind of classes that my doctor would refer me to. I was in so denial that I told everyone in class! At the end of the 4 weeks (once a week) class I ended saying I ACCEPT being diabetic BUT I want to be cured of Needles!

I was over weight but kept my weight at (5’2″) @125 lbs, for 3 yrs, by drinking water before any intake of solid food. I know I have to drink 8 glasses of water per day….I can’t recall how many glasses
of water I’d drink per day and I find it using the 1 litter bottle water is my way to measure that I did have my water for the day!
Also, a need to walk more often and if can’t? Do the dancing exercise!

HI Carole, I’m glad you found me also and happy you did not click away 🙂 It sounds from what you said that you can get off the needle. Did you see the interview I did with Yolanda Bowles? She was also a type II diabetic, taking insulin. shes not on insulin anymore. Her words are very inspiring. Here is my interview with her

Hi Joe: I am not a diabetic, but my family has a history of it, my father was, and my older sister -now 61- has been a diabetic II for about 7 years, so I just try to keep informed about this disease. Your article and all the posts here are really interesting and worth to read. Thank you for being so committed to help and inform people in the way you are doing it. Please keep doing the great job.

By the way, I was reading your article about rapsberry ketone and I can say nothing but congratulate you for all your effort to give the right and unbiased information about this product too.

Very happy to have found your blog and enjoying your postings. Thumbs up for you!!! 🙂

Thanks for all the GREAT articles! Finding an objective viewpoint is hard to come by these days!

I am interested to know your thoughts on polycystic ovarian syndrome and its link to type II diabetes. I was recently diagnosed at this and my testosterone levels make it very difficult to lose weight and have been put on metformin so far but know that I need to make some major life changes to get this under control.

Hi Lee, thanks for your kind words. I am admittedly not an expect on PCOS but I have heard that metformin should help lower testosterone levels I believe. I did find these links that I hope are helpful to you

It has been almost a year since I posted my info on your site re: Can Diabetes Be Cured? So thought I would drop in and give you an update. I had hoped that I would have a 6 months affirmative that I am cured, but last year I had awful upper respiratory illness (new to Kansas) and a new job so I amended that to 1 year for curing diabetes.

I had dropped 10 lbs of weight from last year posting, hitting a low of 223 lbs. Then just before Christmas I have been hammered with some discouraging structural difficulties, probably overuse injuries (knee and hamstring). When a person is 60 years old and doing “2 a days” trying to hit the 220 before Christmas, you are probably overdoing it. But while better, I’m still diabetic!

I’m going increasingly from moderation to extreme in my eating healthy, exercising daily with borderline extremism, mixing weights, recumbent bike, and racquetball. I look at weight loss in terms of 5 lb increments, slow and steady, and yes, would love to be able to tell you that “Look, I’m cured!” but the truth is “Look, I’m better!”

I still take the meds to stay in control. Maybe I’ll check in any 6 months to a year and let you know how I’m doing. My wish is that your title could be true, but also, if I can complain just a bit, I wish it were, “Can the American Lifestyle be Cured?” That in my mind is the big issue, that we as a people rely on processed foods, junk, and don’t really eat and exercise like people used to do. But I’m preaching to the choir, aren’t I? I’ll check in 6 months, and let you know how the old 60 year old diabetic dude is doing.

Darrell, thanks for giving me an update on how you are doing! Even though you have had some setbacks you ARE healthier for your efforts. If your knees and back hurt have you tried to find a gym with a pool. That would let you exercise with less pain. Also remember those portion sizes. That is where you’ll see the biggest change in your weight and blood sugar. Remember slow and steady wins the race. Don’t aim for extreme workouts; just try to do a little bit each day. Its like doubling a penny every day. at the end of a month, you’d have a million dollars!
Focus on the big picture and you will be ok. I know type II diabetes can be cured. I just spoke with somebody recently who cured her own diabetes. Slow and steady Darrell. Slow and steady. I’ll look forward to hearing how you are doing in 6 months 🙂

When I was first told that I had type2 diabetes, I didn’t know anything about the disease or how 2 beat it so I begin 2 pray 2 God n he began 2 give me insight into this disease that is killing a lot of people. I begin 2 research everything there was and is to know about it. I then made up in my mind that I would beat it and not let it beat me.

I started on an exercise program and learned how 2 eat as a diabetic, I forgot 2 mention I was 200 lbs, I cut out fried foods, no white bread, no sweets, no sodas and no salt. I went 2 whole grain, fruits and veggies, baked chicken n fish, nuts and water. I haven’t had soda nor tea since I was told that I had diabetes and that’s been over 4 1/2 years ago.

After I lost 25 lbs my doctor took me off my medication and said he no longer see ANY sign of the disease. Remind U it wasn’t easy but my mind was made up and I was determined 2 win and NEVER give up. At the end of about 7 months I had lost 60 lbs n have kept it off. My journey wasn’t easy and its still not but I keep my head up and push on

I am a living testimony that diabetes can be cured…i love these articles because it reminds me that I am one less of the percentage that will die from it. It is funny people find it amazing that i am no longer a diabetic and want to find the strength to do the same. I want to teach others they can beat it too but so many people are dependent on their medication and the fact many doctors will tell you there is no cure.

I love my life now…I use to weigh 250pds and now 130pds. My old doctor was no help to me and even gave me a death sentence. Needless to say, I have a new doctor who wish all his patients could be like me. I am his poster child…lol. When a person has ambition to do something so many want to believe they chose the easy way out like cosmetic surgery. Til this day, I still get people telling me that I had to have surgery done to lose so much weight..I laugh and still do. I started off on the pills and then on insulin..I was the one who said no more not my doctor.

There is a documentary out there that addresses the connection of meat-based diets and diabetes. It’s called Raw for 30 days. In the film a group of people change their diet and end up off of their meds and insulin by the end…some of them within days of starting. One man from Baltimore was on the film and he didn’t need meds or insulin by the end and then actually found out that he was misdiagnosed by his doctor and he was actually a Type I case. Even after being examined by his doctor who said his body was again producing insulin naturally, his doctor couldn’t explain how diet helped and STILL wanted him to keep taking his meds and insulin. I think part of the problem is that doctors are taught and therefore “KNOW” how to treat diabetes and think anything outside of their training is witchcraft. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Raw for 30 Days or Forks over Knives or The China Study.

Jeremey, I’m going to have to try to find that documentary. Ive never heard of it. I can understand how going on a raw diet for 30 days would help type II diabetes – because it would cause weight loss which in turn would help type II diabetes – but other than better nutrition helping type I, Im not sure whats going on. did they say the raw diet reversed or cured the type I diabetes? Is this documentary on cable or at blockbuster etc?

This is all very interesting Joe. On my part time job I talk to many people with Type II Diabetes. I will begin taking an informal survey of how many of them exercise regularly in addition to medication and nutritional management. Most of the ones I’ve talked to read labels like crazy but if I ask them how many grams of sugar they want to eat a day or are supposed to keep it under, they never know. I will postulate your radical idea about reducing their weight and exercising regularly, and see what the response is. Thanks for the research project.

Hey Joe,
I am so thankful that there are people like you who really put the truth out there. This is where I was heading until I decided to stop the cycle. I have been diabetic free now for 2 years and just had my AC level taken 2 weeks. My doctor told me it is days like this that makes his job worth coming to. No pills, no needles.

Normally, when you have diabetes type II, you have the other diseases too (high blood pressure and cholesterol) and I did. Beat those too. So far as I am concerned, I am cured. Granted there are days that I want to go back to being overweight because it was so easy but I look at my daughter and the pictures when I was bigger and say “heck no” and keep working out and eating right. Just a piece of cake makes me feel guilty. LOL
Keep up the great works!

I was 320 when I found out that I was type II. I have done a lot of changes over the past 10 years and still need to do more. I have about a 100 lbs. off but it is so slow for me. I try to watch what I eat and to do it in small meals four times a day. I walk when I can but I have other health problems which I know working out will help them also. I just can’t over do. I would like to get to 150 -165 then have the extra skin taken off around my stomach and my thighs. I’m going to walk around Walmart this winter and do a mile a day (four times around is a mile.). I will keep fighting to improve myself and have more time with my family.

I think some doctors feel that few people will do what they have to do when it comes to diabetes and because its serious, the faster they can start treating the condition, the better off you will be in the long run. That said, it would be nice if you were given some instructions on how to help yourself.

Let me see if I can help you by asking you a few questions. Your answers will help me help you. Be as honest as you can. Nobody knows who you are here so dont worry

how old are you?

How tall are you and what is your current weight?

Is type II diabetes the only issue you have?

Does anyone else in your family have type II diabetes?

do you know what your blood pressure is? if yes, what is it?

What is your blood sugar level?

did your doctor tell you what your “A1C” level is?

do you have any trouble walking?

Do you smoke?

do you hvae any chest pains when you rest or during exercise?

are your parents still alive? if no how old were they when they
passed and how did it happen?

Loved your article! My doctor told me I had type II diabetes. He wrote me a prescription and that was it. I know it’s my fault because of the lack of exercise and bad eating habits, but he never explained what I was to do to help myself. No diet plan or at least the foods I can eat and those I should stay away from. I have been suckered into the Glucosulin hype. I will be returning the product ASAP! I am very overweight and wanted to know if you could give me some advise on exercises or links to where I can find some.

Wayne, I appreciate you taking the time to comment. You are right in what you say. I wrote my words because I feel most type II diabetics suffer from a “learned helplessness” – that there is nothing that they can do about their diabetes, except to take a drug.

Watching TV, it seems that there are so many “forces” that want to give people electronic chairs, needles etc to facilitate the condition. While needed by some, this amounts to plugging up a hole in the wall to stop a leak. Eventually another leak will spring.

I wanted to arm people with the knowledge to make a real and lasting change. I know you know all of what I’m saying. I wish more people were like you.

Joe –
Your article brings up some important points about diabetes control – an expression I grew up with, as a type I diabetic. Control was the watchword for doctors back then; it seems to have slipped some, at least in the level of stress and repetition by doctors.

BUT… your article leaves out a couple of points that are important for every diabetic to understand. Type I’s suffer from an immune system failure, wherein their own immune system destroys the islets of Langerhans (the beta cells you refer to) in the pancreas, which produce insulin. Both types I and II suffer from inefficient use of insulin (you refer to receptiveness). Type I’s take shots of insulin because they can’t produce it at all; over time, the dosage is increased to make up for increasing desensitization.

Type II’s take pills, as you said; but I think it’s important for those individuals to know what those pills do. They both increase the body’s production of insulin (remember, type II’s still produce their own) and improve the reception of the insulin, so less is needed. While proper diet and exercise (“control”) can relieve the symptoms of the disease, those with type II must be ever vigilant of the symptoms; in time, medications will probably become necessary. But perhaps not as soon, and not as much, with proper control.

Not trying to be contrary, but I think it’s important to be aware that type II is a sort of spectrum disorder; it won’t go away, but it can be put into remission, as you say.

Kat thanks for taking the time to write. I agree the money is not in the cure, its in the medicine (I’m quoting comedian Chris Rock but its so true). I heard a pod cast once where a scientist needed funding to test a drug that would regrow beta cells to help type I diabetes. Beta cells do grow back once the immune system has been subdued. I distinctly remember her saying that no pharmaceutical company wanted to fund her research.

You are so right! It would be great if we could all be in control and also be supported and encouraged in doing that. So what’s in our way besides lack of self-discipline? Well, here’s one minor personal example–you might call it a rant ;-):

My doctor denied my request for a prescription for enough test strips to allow me to test up to six times a day–it helps me monitor spikes and the effects of certain foods, stress, exercise etc. He said testing two times a day or less is more than adequate for me and that instead, I should have my A1C checked and come in for an office visit quarterly to manage my diabetes.

What management? What about the spikes??? I don’t always “feel” them. How will I know when I need to get up from my desk and run in place if I can’t test? My doctor seemed really annoyed that I want try to take control myself. By the way, he’s never mentioned healthy lifestyle.

It’s been “take these drugs, do these labs, and visit my office to hear “nothing has changed.” I think I should be allowed to test my blood sugar often by Rx to help cover the cost, do my own A1C tests and (horrors) read the results, and avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor’s office–at a savings to me, and the insurance company.

Managing this disease is difficult enough without having to fight with doctors or insurance companies to get what you need. The insurance, pharmaceutical, laboratory, supply and medical communities are well aware that too many diabetics will slide into that”easy” progressive path of drugs to wheel chairs that you describe.

I think those industries have a keen interest in keeping Type II’s dependent on them–it’s big business and stock market driven. Promote healthy lifestyle? Where’s the money in that? We seem to always hear about the high costs to the insurance companies associated with complications of diabetes but I wonder if anyone truly knows how many $$$bizillions in profit are made on drugs, lab work, dialysis clinics, medical supplies, doctor and hospital bills and, of course, increased insurance premiums.

I cannot agree more, Joe. But it is sad that so many diabetics rely on doctors for help. Have you seen our medical professionals lately? They are obese themselves! And they order out for lunch every day! What can they tell someone who has a disease beacause he is doing the same things they are!

Darrell, It sounds like you have been doing everything that you should be doing. I do hope that your change in exercise routine helps you. I have met a few people over the years who were had type II diabetes in spite of exercising and keeping their weight under control.

I dont know if you are one of those people since you said you could still lose 20 more lbs. that said you have made tremendous progress and you should feel very proud of what you have accomplished. no matter what happens with your diabetes you are healthier over all.

I am a personal trainer/exercise physiologist, writer and lecturer. I’ve worked with several diabetics over the years,. It’s because of them that I wrote this post. I wanted to give people with type II diabetes something to think about.

You can read my full bio on my main website joe-cannon.com I also write extensively about dietary supplements on my site SupplementClarity.com

A great question, “Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Cured?” and I HOPE that I can answer that soon, since I’ve been a type 2 diabetic for 12 years. My mantra has been “I’ve become an extremist about moderation” and many people would call my moderation a form of extremism. During these years I’ve run intervals up and down hills, lifted weights, played racquetball, worked out daily on a total gym, have a stationary bike to boot, and increasingly become less and less moderate and more extreme on my food plan, yet I cannot overcome this disease. It gets worse and even with medication I cannot live reasonably (but, some tell me I do better than most diabetics). I’ve lost some weight, probably 20-30 lbss. through this “extreme moderation” and am considered fit by many. But it hasn’t cure me. I need to lose 20 more.

Feb 2011, I ditched the “extreme moderation” for extremism. It will be my last stand against this disease. No diets, just extremely healthy eating, no cheating, and exercising like hell! I’m talking getting into the weights 3 times per week heavy, hitting the stationary bike with intervals 2 times per week, and 10- 12 miles of cardio on bike, with no longer a moderate food plan but an extreme food plan. I don’t think most most people can do this, but for me I’ve lost my job, I have the time, so now I have this as a main project, curing diabetes. Will it work? I am an experiment of one, I’ve become an extremist.

I just found your site looking for some blog info. I don’t have a clue who you are, but you are asking the same question I am, and I for one intend to find the answer, not for you or anybody else, but rather for me. Wish me luck!

The book called ” The Diabetes Solution” by Doctor Richard K. Bernstein has been a huge help in understanding the disease and the changes that I needed to make to get better.

Mr. Bernstein has Type 1, and it’s because of his efforts that we have meters in our homes today so that we can measure the levels right at home.

I made changes in the foods that I ate and increased by exercise program from 25 minutes per day to 1 hour. I was already involved in exercise (five years – Karate – now Black Belt) but it was not enough time. Since I didn’t know much about food, I
took a free course offered by a nutritionist at our local grocery store, which gave me the tools for what to eat, how much and when.

The combination of the book, exercise, and the food information is what I’ve used so far (without supplements or additional products (so far).

On Sept. 15th, I weighed 233 lbs. I now weigh 195 lbs.

I also believe that it’s possible to reverse type 2 as well.

My goal is to get to 167 lbs or 170 lbs.

I saw the commercial about the supplement, and was more curious than anything.

Joe, thanks for your words. It appears to me also that people with type II diabetes seem to be lulled into taking a pill. Pills for diabetes can definitely help but I feel that the medical community – and that includes ADA – do not do enough to educate people about how type II diabetes can be cures. If there was a TV campaign called “You can cure Type II diabetes” I think people might finally start to get the message. I really do hope I see that day.

Hi Joe. Enjoyed reading what you had to say about reversing Type 2. I was diagnosed 13 years ago. At first I was serious about eating right and exercising but I slacked off. If I don’t check my BS then I don’t have to worry about what I eat……..Wrong! I hate change but I need to get serious and stop denying the fact that it won’t go away with a lot of hard work.

So you’ve inspired me and I’ll be walking every day (never an exerciser) along with eating better to make this damn diabetes go away!

Heidi, thank you so much for saying that! I know some might feel that the idea of “curing” type II is something out of a tabloid magazine but I know it can happen in the vast majority of people. Even if no change occurs, you are still vastly healthier, which is what its really all about.

Take small steps Heidi, you dont have to do it all today. consistency is the key, even if you can only start with 5 minutes a day. Eating healthier/fewer calories is something that I feel will make the biggest immediate impact.

I know you can do this Heidi. I have faith in you. If I can help anymore, just ask.

Thank you! I have been posting on the ADA boards today and have been incredibly distraught with what I have been receiving in response. It seems as if people really don’t want to believe that changing their lifestyle can ‘cure’ type 2 diabetes. I am going to change this, if it costs me my last dime and my life I am going to get people to stop thinking that pills can save them where a proper lifestyle can’t.

I was diagnosed with type ll diabetes 6 days ago. Two days after I was diagnosed I brought a treadmill and put it into my room next to my bed. I went grocery shopping for the first time in over a year. Before, I ate out everyday. I had heard that diet and exercise could help in my case so I decided to at least try.

My sugar levels were 335 when I found out on last Friday. Today, after changing my eating habits and slowly starting the process of exercising my levels were down to 186 that’s from just two days! I know now that diet and exercise can really help and turn my situation around.

I did this to myself by making poor nutrition choices and not exercising. Now I’m working emphatically to turn it around because It took this diagnosis for me to see what the end result could be. I choose life. In order to give myself that chance I know now that I need to be healthy.

Although I take my meds I’m determined to keep exercising and eating healthy and eventually rid myself of this disease that I brought on myself. Thank you for your post! It’s helping me to stay strong and continue the fight so that I can help others as you have helped me. God Bless!

Keisha, wow, I am so honored that you took the time to write and share your thoughts. That I was able to help you with my word, touches me to no end! Your words are the best news I have heard in a very long time! Continued success Keisha. If you have any questions along your journey, do let me know and I will try to help you. I believe in you Keisha!

Great article Joe…and oh so true. People are getting lazier every day and too many kids never experience the thrill of having a fine tuned body that can do amazing things. Nothing like a runner’s high and I don’t mean run a marathon.

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Credentials

Joe Cannon, MS has written for several publications including The Journal of Strength and Conditioning, Today's Dietitian, and Prevention. He's been quoted in the New York Times, lectured to NASA and has been a content consultant for Dateline NBC. He's the author of the first book ever published on rhabdomyolysis and exercise.
Joe Cannon, has a BS in Chemistry and Biology and a MS in Exercise Science. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a personal trainer certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).